Staff
Canada celebrated its 150th anniversary on Saturday and despite the somewhat dreary weather, the activities held here throughout the day were deemed a success.
“I think everything went rather well considering the weather,” said Fun in the Sun committee member Cynthia Donald.
She noted that wakeboarding, courtesy of Sunset Country Water Sports, and the pirate ship were big hits down at Point Park.
“The entertainment ran really smoothly, too,” Donald added.
Entertainers that afternoon included Gerry and Jackie Guimond, Brittany Strachan, the “Chirpy Chicks,” and Dylan Ossachuk.
Meanwhile, the annual Mini-King and Queen competition brought out a lot of spectators, Donald said.
Declan Scott and Brooklyn Beckett were crowned Saturday afternoon by 2016 royalty Tristan Bryant and Teagan Thoms.
The winners of FITS cursive-writing contest also were announced at the Point.
Davilyn Miller took first place, followed by Cadance Sinclair and Piper Miller.
A sandcastle-building contest on the beach saw many impressive sculptures. However, Ty Beauline’s castle took the top prize, with Jastra Bell coming in second and Liam Mathewson placing third.
The winners of the “Canada 150” decorating contest for homes were Micaela, Doug, and Tyler Jensen (first place), June Caul (second), and Carol Wrigley Alton (third).
The Harbourage, meanwhile, won the decorating contest amongst businesses, followed by Fort Frances Customs, The Lighthouse Fish and Chips, Causeway Insurance, and McTaggarts/Taggs.
The Canada Day parade Saturday morning was a hit, too, drawing two dozen floats and decorated vehicles.
“It was a really fun morning,” said parade organizer Natasha Gaudio, economic development co-ordinator with the Rainy River Future Development Corp.
“The floats were really well done,” she noted. “I was really impressed with everyone.
“The weather held out, which was awesome,” added Gaudio.
“Everyone was excited to be there, which was cool.”
The streets were lined with people of all ages, dressed in red-and-white and waving flags, all the way from the Sorting Gap Marina to the Legion.
West End Motors captured the first-place prize for its “Canada 150” birthday cake float while Dave Thompson garnered second place for his pirate ship float.
The Fort Frances Girls’ and Women’s Hockey Association placed third with its lumberjack float.
